Why Office XP?
When I decided to upgrade to Microsoft Windows XP the first week it came out, I decided that to fetch further into my wallet and go all-out by buying Office XP to compliment it. That decision, I would later find out, was one of the wisest moves that I have made thusfar with software. The package I bought came with three discs; which included Microsoft Word 2002, Excel 2002, FrontPage 2002, Access 2002, Outlook 2002 and Microsoft PowerPoint 2002. These different programs cover all of one’s basic needs for computing, and the new compatibility with Windows XP makes it an ESSENTIAL purchase.


The Basics
For those who don’t know the basic components of each of the programs, I have listed what the basic options and functions of each are. Microsoft Word is a program that is a used for basic typing, creating forms, using templates, creating a little HTTP source, and an all-around useful tool that is the ‘king’ of the Office programs. It incorporates a few functions from each of the other programs included in the Office bundle, giving it the widest versatility available (Some examples are the uses of tables and charts adapted from Excel, creating web pages and more from FrontPage, and writing e-mails from Outlook).

Word is a very powerful program that allows the user to complete thousands of tasks with minimum amounts of time invested. The engineering put in behind the scenes in incredible… all with the intentions to make life easier for the daily user. To master the entire program would be impossible because there is so much to it. It is easy enough for an inexperienced user to use with its handy talking guides and support system. For those who are more advanced users, the options are endless to tweak one’s document to perfection.

Excel is probably the second most popular program of the bundle. It is used to make charts, tables, functions, graphs and more. For those who are data-focused, this is your answer. One can also manage a small business with the templates provided on the Office XP CDs. Expense statements, business flows, profit growths and more can all be compiled in a considerably less amount of time than with the old fashioned calculator and pencil. Not only does one get the luxury of speed, but the templates have a very professional look to them that please the eye. Users find it very effective when they use Excel for business and personal finances.

FrontPage is a web-based program that allows users to manipulate and create web pages to their maximum potential. One can enhance pages with a few clicks of the mouse and add vive rant graphics and special effects. You can turn your old, dull webpage into a professional looking masterpiece in just a few moments. What is most appealing to me is how FrontPage is compatible with many ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and domain hosts. The program can link immediately with the Internet and publish your site with incredible ease.

Outlook is an e-mail and personal management program. It can replace one’s old address book and electronically manage all of your personal contacts. You can keep all names in mind because it is simple to make different categories like ‘business contacts’ and ‘family members’ to distinguish people. It makes it very easy to put the data in, and one can easily use the saved address books with other programs and hardware like PDAs. E-mails can be sent very fast without having to log onto a website like Hotmail or Yahoo! to retrieve mail. It automatically logs one on to their account and retrieves their mail. One does not have to worry about space either because Outlook takes all of the mails and saves them on the computer so they can be read offline.

PowerPoint is a presentation program that can make speeches and projects much easier. It gives the presenter an upper-hand because the jazzy graphics that one can use will captivate the audience and increase their attention spans. One can get points across much easier with it, and the program is very user friendly. It combines the concepts of Word and FrontPage to make a very powerful tool.

What’s New?
Beside the fact that Office XP is designed to run smoothly and compatibly with Windows XP, there are a few other significant changes that I should list. It has a new GUI (Graphic User Interface) that makes it more appeasing to the eye when using. Also, the programs have a few more options that help the user determine what to do. There also is a video reference guide that guides users through the basic processes of all of the programs.

Office XP also has a really new Voice Recognition capability built into it so that one may dictate the actions carried out with ones voice. It is about 85% accurate that the beginning, but you can read it stories so that it learns to adapt to your voice. After time, the program becomes comfortable with your voice, and is accurate 95% of the time. It makes life much easier to be able to type hands free. The technology also builds its way into the Windows XP operating system so that you may use it with other basic Microsoft programs. I like it a lot even though I am still getting accustomed to it.

Stability is also another huge factor that applies to Office XP. It is very reliable and I not yet had it crash on me. It was well-designed with many thoughts taken into consideration when planning it. One needs to worry less about frequently saving and if the computer will crash, and they can concentrate more on their documents.

Overall this is a great software package that I recommend to everyone. The only large downsize that I see is the cost, but I guess you get what you pay for. The people who designed this definitely put some serious work into it, so I can see why it is so much. I will continue to be a loyal Microsoft customer after this purchase, and I hope that I have helped you. Please check out my other ‘epinions’!



© Patrick McGlynn


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